To Absent Friends

Lunchtime Friday, leave work early Rushing through the suburbs to the station to catch the train Heading up to town to Dave’s to get my glad rags on Because lately I’ve been running down, little things catching up Excuses stretched thin and it’s hard not giving up Tonight we’re going to get it right, we’re going to have us a good one And the roll call is missing a name Since you left things haven’t been the same But I don’t blame you, there was nothing here to make you stay But I remember the way that you’d light up a room when you walk in The way that you’d lead a crowd when you sing Jamie, this one is for you Pre-club beers at Dan’s before we hit the road Nicely warmed up, pleasantly half-loaded Ready for a night on fire, we’re going to get out the big guns And I run down the numbers, scan through the faces Run through the plans, scout out the places I’m electrified, surrounded, but still missing something or someone I’m wide awake in the cityscape You did your time out on the road One day you stayed away for good You found a home down by the shore A place to hang your hat and more You sent me postcards to tell me of Slowing down and finding love The thrill has gone from the city life I’m not far behind So you can strike my name from the roll call When night falls I’m leaving There is nothing here to make me stay When I get to the coast I will send back a postcard To tell all my old friends all about my new start Jamie I will see you soon